This division was on what is called a 'reasoned amendment'. This is an amendment to the motion:

That the Bill be now read a Second time.

If passed, the effect of the amendment is to stop any future progress on the Bill under consideration. It is called a 'reasoned amendment' because it gives the reasons why the Bill is considered unsatisfactory. In this case the text of the amendment was:

That this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill because, while the Bill recognises the problems caused by extremists seeking to stir up hatred against others on the grounds of their ethnic identity, by creating a new offence of inciting religious hatred, it will disproportionately curtail freedom of expression, worsen community relations as different religious and belief groups call for the prosecution of their opponents, create uncertainty as to what words or behaviour are lawful and lead to the selective application of the law in a manner likely to bring it into disrepute."

Those voting Aye were therefore agreeing with these criticisms and wishing to prevent the Bill from advancing; those voting No were disagreeing with them and implicitly supporting the principle of the Bill.

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